CONFUSION has arisen about the opening of Largs' car parks - but the continuing closure of the town's public toilets.

Councillor Ian Murdoch says the reopening of the convenience next to the seafront car park in Largs is a 'necessity' as lockdown is eased and visitors start coming again to the area.

He says he has been approached by a number of businesses and members of the public are asking why they remain closed now that five mile travel restriction has been lifted by the Scottish Government.

Councillor Murdoch added: "I am very concerned how public toilets can be opened and operated safely, but given the number of shops and businesses trading again, I think it is a necessity.

"There have been so many reports regarding people going in public places over previous weeks and the numbers are rising.

"Largs has been exceptionally busy considering that not all the shops are open and the weather was mixed over the weekend. The seafront wasn't full but it was very busy.

"When the weather improves, numbers will increase and toilets will be an essential part of the safe operation of Largs town centre."

The public toilet is financed and maintained from the revenue from Largs seafront car park.

Councillor Murdoch added: "With the guidance now having changed, we need to open public toilets in a safe and appropriate manner.

"The other issue is that you have council employees, taxi drivers and bus drivers, as well as the general public requiring use of the public toilet."

The operation of the loos had been under review before lockdown with plans for a pay to use facility in order to fund maintenance and improvements at the public convenience.

He said: "If you look at community groups in West Kilbride and Millport, they run their own public toilets, so it is something we are going to have examine.

"I know the council were drawing up plans on providing a pay facility at the toilets before lockdown.

"North Ayrshire Council does not provide this service across the whole of the region and we need to look at what else can be done so as to provide a cleaner and attendant."

However Cllr Murdoch believes the reopening of public toilets is now urgent.

He said: "I have had enquiries from local businesses, and there are also concerns from people working in the area as staff need to use them.

"It was a different situation during lockdown but the toilets need to open up as quickly as possible to meet public demand."

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We continue to make arrangements for the safe opening of public toilets in line with recently received Scottish Government guidance.

“Risk assessments have been carried out and we are now finalising arrangements, including appropriate checks and installing signage required to allow us to open them safely.

“We will provide further information when we have finalised our proposals.”